US Bridges

Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Crawford County, Iowa · 1.4 Mi. N of Jct. US 59 · Structure no. 000000000021521

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek in Crawford County, Iowa. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Iowa average of 45.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,550 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,550 by 2043. The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIa 39
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.4 Mi. N of Jct. US 59
RouteState Highway 39
CountyCrawford County
StateIowa
Coordinates42.04009, -95.36245
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.1 US tons
Inventory rating42.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length163 ft (49.7 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,550 (2022)
Projected traffic3,550 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 3,550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 163 ft (49.7 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Ia 39 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.